Survey says Boston is so expensive that an “alarming” number of young people are planning to leave

Boston – A New scan It shows that a large number of young people are planning to move from the greater Boston area.

“I'm paying a lot of money. It's really hard to find places,” said Christine Koehler of Chinatown.

25% plan to leave the Boston area

According to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 25% of 20- to 30-year-olds plan to move within the next five years. The survey shows that rising rental costs, the ability to buy a home, and job opportunities all play a role.

“Housing and the cost of rent are certainly what screamed at you when you read the survey results,” said Jim Rooney, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “Not surprisingly, there were transportation issues.”

823 people participated in the survey. While a majority say they are satisfied with their daily lives in Greater Boston, 25 percent say they do not plan to stay here long because they are still struggling to afford it.

Nico George has just moved to Boston with his girlfriend. Their rent is $3,000 a month. “It's difficult financially. I want to go to medical school, so it depends on where I go to make that happen,” he said.

Maddie Hall is a travel nurse who pays $2,200 a month with her roommate. She currently lives in a southern condo that took three months to find. She says she has no intention of staying in Boston. “Maybe just a few years. Then I should leave.”

Why do they leave?

The chamber says young people prioritize mental health and personal relationships more than their careers.

The foundation said that in order to ensure young people want and choose to stay in Greater Boston, public officials must address important issues, including available jobs, home ownership and rental costs.

“This survey indicates that it is very important to retain and retain young people in Greater Boston, which, by the way, is our competitive advantage. We cannot afford to lose people at such a high rate,” Rooney said.

Kohler, 27, who lives in Chinatown, said she pays $1,900 a month. “Needless to say, I'm moving.” Koehler said it's difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. “Social life is very expensive, which is very bad because it is a great city.”